Working in the garden this week, I took notice of all the blossoms on my daughter’s strawberry plants we started three years ago.

The best time to plant strawberries is early spring. Most plants will blossom in the first year but removing these first blossoms will give the plant more time to establish a better root system. As strawberry plants grow throughout the season, they will also produce runners, which I recommend removing. You can plant these runners to start a second patch of strawberries.

Strawberries are sold as root balls and are typically not in soil. These individual plants are called runners or stolons.

Before planting, I find it is easier on the root system if you soak it in water for about 20 minutes. This allows the roots to become more flexible and prevents breaking when planting. You should begin by making a small mound of soil about the size of a softball. Next, turn the plant upside down and gently spread the roots apart until you find the center of the plant. Place the center of the plant on top of the mound of soil and spread the roots down the sides. Lightly place 4 inches of soil around and on top of the roots. If planting in rows, it is best to space the plants 18-inches apart with 4-feet between the rows. Strawberries like lots of sun, so be sure to find a part of the garden that gets at least 8-hours of direct sun each day. Once the plants are established and begin to blossom, they will require lots of water, up to 1 to 2-inches per day. I use a soaker-hose, which keeps the ground wet and the berries dry as they ripen.

You can also place straw under the plants to help prevent the berries from touching the ground. The straw will also help hold the moisture in the soil.

Strawberries will begin to ripen when the air temperature reaches between 70 and 80° Fahrenheit. If the temperature rises above 80 degrees for an extended period, the plants may begin to drop blossoms, and the leaves may turn a red/brown color.

I cut my strawberry plants down to ground level and cover with a layer of compost during the second week of September. I water them every other day for two weeks to help create a strong root system for winter.

You can also grow strawberries in hanging baskets. To keep these for next year, wrap the container in burlap, place straw on top, and store the wrapped basket in an unheated garage or shed.

In early March, these planters can be placed outside and should produce strawberries. To transplant to your garden at the end of summer, simply take the plant out of the container, place it in the garden, and mulch around it for winter. Strawberry plants are perennial and can withstand difficult weather conditions. Happy gardening!